By Segun Adewale i in Gombe
The first Military Administrator of Gombe State, Group Captain Joseph Orji (rtd.), has commissioned nine 6-fully completed VIP residential buildings constructed by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, and named after the six states of the North-East.
The commissioning on Friday, 30 October, 2026, was held as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of Gombe State’s creation.
Orji was accorded the honour of commissioning the facilities in recognition of his historic role as the first Military Administrator of Gombe State, created on October 1, 1996, by the administration of the late General Sani Abacha.
Expressing delight at the scale of development he witnessed, the former military administrator said he was overwhelmed by the transformation taking place in the state.
“I’m overwhelmed by the spirit of urban renewal and what I have seen. I should say that I have been positively confused. I’m so proud, and I’m so happy to be here with you,” an elated Orji said.
The 6 residences, which are 100 per cent completed, are equipped with modern facilities, including lifts and other essential amenities designed to provide comfort, convenience and security for very important personalities visiting Gombe State.
The former Military Administrator described Gombe as a true “jewel in the Savannah” and a strategic meeting and transit point for the Northeast, noting that the state had long served as a commercial centre for the subregion.
He said the newly commissioned facilities demonstrated Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s commitment to sustaining Gombe State’s tradition of hospitality and strengthening bonds among the northeastern states.
“Gombe is a jewel in the Savannah, and you are providing that leadership and shelter to others,” Orji said, commending the Governor for recognising the importance of regional cooperation and fostering unity across the Northeast.
In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya explained that the facilities were constructed to provide comfortable and secure accommodation for visiting governors and other high-profile guests within the Government House.
He noted that the state’s founding fathers and pioneer administrators had left a legacy and a vision that successive governments, particularly the present administration, must work to actualise.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Muhammad Sa’idu Fawu, said construction of the executive houses commenced in November 2023 and was completed in February 2025.
He disclosed that the facilities were 100 per cent complete and equipped with modern amenities, including lifts, to ensure comfort and convenience for their occupants.
Shortly after the brief ceremony, Governor Inuwa conducted the former administrator and other dignitaries around the new facilities for inspection.
The event was attended by representatives of the governments of Bauchi, Yobe, Taraba and Plateau states, among other dignitaries from across the Northeast and beyond.
